Hi" to all model boat builders. I thought I would add my new project to this fireboat website for all to see ! I bought this from fleabay as a total wreck. She is a rare Scratch built from a plan of a Walton Thames RAF ASRL launch at 36 inch long & 8 inch wide.took me approx 6 months to do the rebuild. Brush painted with 5 assorted colours with decals working lights ect.
Walton Thames is now running on a new Johnston speed 600 electric motor. 50 amp speed controller 45mm pitched propeller.A 6 volt at4.ah which gives good running time & good scale speed. Photos are taken at Eaton park Norwich England. Enjoy. 😊
My next project will be a 1950s Aerokits/Keilcraft Sea hornet. " So watch this space "
{"text":"Hi\" to all model boat builders. I thought I would add my new project to this fireboat website for all to see ! I bought this from fleabay as a total wreck. She is a rare Scratch built from a plan of a Walton Thames RAF ASRL launch at 36 inch long & 8 inch wide.took me approx 6 months to do the rebuild. Brush painted with 5 assorted colours with decals working lights ect.\nWalton Thames is now running on a new Johnston speed 600 electric motor. 50 amp speed controller 45mm pitched propeller.A 6 volt at4.ah which gives good running time & good scale speed. Photos are taken at Eaton park Norwich England. Enjoy. \ud83d\ude0a \nMy next project will be a 1950s Aerokits/Keilcraft Sea hornet. \" So watch this space \"","subject":"Walton Thames ASRL","media":[{"id":"1340002171","name":"1340002171.jpg","caption":"","url":"https://hobby.land/media/1340002171/l","thumbUrl":"https://hobby.land/media/1340002171/s","isImage":true,"ext":"jpg"},{"id":"1340002360","name":"1340002360.jpg","caption":"","url":"https://hobby.land/media/1340002360/l","thumbUrl":"https://hobby.land/media/1340002360/s","isImage":true,"ext":"jpg"},{"id":"1340002954","name":"1340002954.jpg","caption":"","url":"https://hobby.land/media/1340002954/l","thumbUrl":"https://hobby.land/media/1340002954/s","isImage":true,"ext":"jpg"},{"id":"1340003050","name":"1340003050.jpg","caption":"","url":"https://hobby.land/media/1340003050/l","thumbUrl":"https://hobby.land/media/1340003050/s","isImage":true,"ext":"jpg"}],"youtubeUrl":""}
Hi" to all model boat builders. I thought I would add my new project to this fireboat website for all to see ! I bought this from fleabay as a total wreck. She is a rare Scratch built from a plan of a Walton Thames RAF ASRL launch at 36 inch long & 8 inch wide.took me approx 6 months to do the rebuild. Brush painted with 5 assorted colours with decals working lights ect.
Walton Thames is now running on a new Johnston speed 600 electric motor. 50 amp speed controller 45mm pitched propeller.A 6 volt at4.ah which gives good running time & good scale speed. Photos are taken at Eaton park Norwich England. Enjoy. 😊
My next project will be a 1950s Aerokits/Keilcraft Sea hornet. " So watch this space "
Thank you fellow model boatmen for your kind comments.
on my model boat builds
Yes it would be a very good idea for a build blogg on my next project . 😉 A Prestney
Thank you fellow model boatmen for your kind comments.
on my model boat builds
Yes it would be a very good idea for a build blogg on my next project . 😉 A Prestney
Have been resurrecting this old 34 1/2" FIREBOAT which was originally built in 1958 from an aerokits kit, for the last 12 months. Went for first sail at Cwmbran on Wednesday, and I am pleased to say it performed very well, But needs a little tweeking to get balance right as she sits a little low at the bow. Having been given some great advice by the local club members, I will be moving the motor and mount further back, and reducing size of prop as it used too much power. But still I'm happy with the performance and the fact it didn't leek. Will update as soon as I've done the mods.
{"text":"Have been resurrecting this old 34 1/2\" FIREBOAT which was originally built in 1958 from an aerokits kit, for the last 12 months. Went for first sail at Cwmbran on Wednesday, and I am pleased to say it performed very well, But needs a little tweeking to get balance right as she sits a little low at the bow. Having been given some great advice by the local club members, I will be moving the motor and mount further back, and reducing size of prop as it used too much power. But still I'm happy with the performance and the fact it didn't leek. Will update as soon as I've done the mods.","subject":"Mk2 Firefloat 93","media":[{"id":"1338156787","name":"1338156787.jpg","caption":"","url":"https://hobby.land/media/1338156787/l","thumbUrl":"https://hobby.land/media/1338156787/s","isImage":true,"ext":"jpg"},{"id":"1338156854","name":"1338156854.jpg","caption":"","url":"https://hobby.land/media/1338156854/l","thumbUrl":"https://hobby.land/media/1338156854/s","isImage":true,"ext":"jpg"},{"id":"1338156911","name":"1338156911.jpg","caption":"","url":"https://hobby.land/media/1338156911/l","thumbUrl":"https://hobby.land/media/1338156911/s","isImage":true,"ext":"jpg"},{"id":"1338156964","name":"1338156964.jpg","caption":"","url":"https://hobby.land/media/1338156964/l","thumbUrl":"https://hobby.land/media/1338156964/s","isImage":true,"ext":"jpg"}],"youtubeUrl":""}
Have been resurrecting this old 34 1/2" FIREBOAT which was originally built in 1958 from an aerokits kit, for the last 12 months. Went for first sail at Cwmbran on Wednesday, and I am pleased to say it performed very well, But needs a little tweeking to get balance right as she sits a little low at the bow. Having been given some great advice by the local club members, I will be moving the motor and mount further back, and reducing size of prop as it used too much power. But still I'm happy with the performance and the fact it didn't leek. Will update as soon as I've done the mods.
HI Dave thanks for comment, Cwmbran are certainly a friendlyand helpfull bunch and I'll be joining their club along with my wife, as she's now got a boat restoration of her own to do.(FAIREY HUNTSMAN 1/12th scale)
Ill update as soon as I've had chance to do mods,
trouble is an86 mile round trip to do testing runs on safe water at Cwmbran.
HI Dave thanks for comment, Cwmbran are certainly a friendlyand helpfull bunch and I'll be joining their club along with my wife, as she's now got a boat restoration of her own to do.(FAIREY HUNTSMAN 1/12th scale)
Ill update as soon as I've had chance to do mods,
trouble is an86 mile round trip to do testing runs on safe water at Cwmbran.
HI Colin, This is a big thank you for your families help at Cwmbran last wednesday, if it had not been for your sons help my Sea Commander on its first run would probably be at the bottom of the lake. it's dry now but will need major work on it as some of the plywood has delaminated slightly. The motor, Receiver and servo work but the speed controller I think has died. I look forward to your next visit, on Sunday I sailed my 40 year old 34 inch Fairey Huntsman and think that I have at last got it to run reasonably well. Graham J from Cwmbran Club
HI Colin, This is a big thank you for your families help at Cwmbran last wednesday, if it had not been for your sons help my Sea Commander on its first run would probably be at the bottom of the lake. it's dry now but will need major work on it as some of the plywood has delaminated slightly. The motor, Receiver and servo work but the speed controller I think has died. I look forward to your next visit, on Sunday I sailed my 40 year old 34 inch Fairey Huntsman and think that I have at last got it to run reasonably well. Graham J from Cwmbran Club
MY 34 inch and 46 inch Aerokits Fireboats are readied for the lake. The 46 inch is covered elsewhere in the gallery but the 34 inch was recovered a couple of years ago from a hulk and fitted with a 220 watt 1050 kv bruhless motor. With a 10.8 NiMH and 40mm 3 blade brass prop it looks great on the water.
{"text":"MY 34 inch and 46 inch Aerokits Fireboats are readied for the lake. The 46 inch is covered elsewhere in the gallery but the 34 inch was recovered a couple of years ago from a hulk and fitted with a 220 watt 1050 kv bruhless motor. With a 10.8 NiMH and 40mm 3 blade brass prop it looks great on the water.","subject":"Aerokits","media":[{"id":"1334816020","name":"1334816020.jpg","caption":"","url":"https://hobby.land/media/1334816020/l","thumbUrl":"https://hobby.land/media/1334816020/s","isImage":true,"ext":"jpg"},{"id":"1334815973","name":"1334815973.jpg","caption":"","url":"https://hobby.land/media/1334815973/l","thumbUrl":"https://hobby.land/media/1334815973/s","isImage":true,"ext":"jpg"}],"youtubeUrl":""}
MY 34 inch and 46 inch Aerokits Fireboats are readied for the lake. The 46 inch is covered elsewhere in the gallery but the 34 inch was recovered a couple of years ago from a hulk and fitted with a 220 watt 1050 kv bruhless motor. With a 10.8 NiMH and 40mm 3 blade brass prop it looks great on the water.
Deans do a range of raf launches under their fast launches section. They do a 1/24th fire boat within this for about A£120. I built one of these a couple of years ago. Not the best quality kit in the world but with some skill and rework makes a good model. I put a 18owatt 1100 kv brushless od 7. 2 volts and a 35mm x prop in mine and it flies. Let me know if you need any info on these boats.
Deans do a range of raf launches under their fast launches section. They do a 1/24th fire boat within this for about A£120. I built one of these a couple of years ago. Not the best quality kit in the world but with some skill and rework makes a good model. I put a 18owatt 1100 kv brushless od 7. 2 volts and a 35mm x prop in mine and it flies. Let me know if you need any info on these boats.
HI Tom,
Hope you are well. Finally got my boat on the water at the weekend (Fleetwood Scale & Power weekend) and I was quite pleased with things, however it does keep blowing fuses so I will re-wire and see if that helps other wise I am flumoxed.
I am considering converting it to 2 props though to be more true to the original boats and wondered if you had any tips and internal/external pictures of your 46 for me to look at.
Many thanks again Tom.
Dean
HI Tom,
Hope you are well. Finally got my boat on the water at the weekend (Fleetwood Scale & Power weekend) and I was quite pleased with things, however it does keep blowing fuses so I will re-wire and see if that helps other wise I am flumoxed.
I am considering converting it to 2 props though to be more true to the original boats and wondered if you had any tips and internal/external pictures of your 46 for me to look at.
Many thanks again Tom.
Dean
This is my 46 inch fireboat. it is a 1960s Aerokits model that I was given about 18 months ago only partly started (frames and stringers). it is powered by 2 x 770 watt brushless motors with 4s lips and has working monitors and an Action Noisy Thing sound system. it is pictured here at Tynemouth boating lake where I an a member to of the Tmbc.
{"text":"This is my 46 inch fireboat. it is a 1960s Aerokits model that I was given about 18 months ago only partly started (frames and stringers). it is powered by 2 x 770 watt brushless motors with 4s lips and has working monitors and an Action Noisy Thing sound system. it is pictured here at Tynemouth boating lake where I an a member to of the Tmbc.","subject":"46 Inch Aerokits","media":[{"id":"1334347688","name":"1334347688.jpg","caption":"","url":"https://hobby.land/media/1334347688/l","thumbUrl":"https://hobby.land/media/1334347688/s","isImage":true,"ext":"jpg"},{"id":"1334347629","name":"1334347629.jpg","caption":"","url":"https://hobby.land/media/1334347629/l","thumbUrl":"https://hobby.land/media/1334347629/s","isImage":true,"ext":"jpg"},{"id":"1334347587","name":"1334347587.jpg","caption":"","url":"https://hobby.land/media/1334347587/l","thumbUrl":"https://hobby.land/media/1334347587/s","isImage":true,"ext":"jpg"}],"youtubeUrl":""}
This is my 46 inch fireboat. it is a 1960s Aerokits model that I was given about 18 months ago only partly started (frames and stringers). it is powered by 2 x 770 watt brushless motors with 4s lips and has working monitors and an Action Noisy Thing sound system. it is pictured here at Tynemouth boating lake where I an a member to of the Tmbc.
I'll get some pictures when I next see it as it is kept at my Mums place in the NE where the lake at the Tynemouth club is big enough to take it given its speed and size. if you are blowing fuses, make sure you haven't over greased the shaft. I did that once and really only a light greasing of the inner shaft and some light oil on the bearings is all that is required. Also try a smaller prop. You may not get any reduction in Speer as the motor may rev faster and at lower amps. I've just taken the 50mm 3 blade brass props off mine and put 45mm 2 blade plastic racing props on and she runs faster and smoother. Hope this helps.
I'll get some pictures when I next see it as it is kept at my Mums place in the NE where the lake at the Tynemouth club is big enough to take it given its speed and size. if you are blowing fuses, make sure you haven't over greased the shaft. I did that once and really only a light greasing of the inner shaft and some light oil on the bearings is all that is required. Also try a smaller prop. You may not get any reduction in Speer as the motor may rev faster and at lower amps. I've just taken the 50mm 3 blade brass props off mine and put 45mm 2 blade plastic racing props on and she runs faster and smoother. Hope this helps.
HI to all you Fire Boaters,
I have decided to finally bring my Fireboat out of the closet and up for inspection.
This is the first of my many boats I am showing, I will probably show others in the future.
I started to build her back in 2006 after being off work and having a shoulder operation. She was not going to be a R/C boat, just a bit of something to do whilst on recovery.
I have a 34" still in the box unmade, purchased back in 1994 from Aerokits.
I drew round all the parts and then shrunk them on my scanner. She is 27" long I think that's
just fraction over 1/20th scale . She is almost all balsa except the 2 under skins that are balsa laminated with 1/64th ply. The hand rails are 1/4" balsa blocks I cut from a strip and the rail is ally tubing.
The mast is made from plastic strip from packets from the model shop.
When I returned to work she was put into the shed and left unfinished.
I stumbled across the Fireboat website and registered in 2009 when I was off work once again. This then made me think more about working on her again and I decide to turn her into an R/C model. So out she came and I fitted an Electomax Delta 480bb motor and a M3sonik esc.
I also purchased a couple of Robbe fire monitors, put them together shortening the nozzles and cutting the bottom of the base of to try to look a bit moreto scale. I know they are not the correct type but if I want to go down the road of getting them working then these ones will.
Then off I went to Wilkinson's and bought some paint. Then set out to paint her, as I brushed on the paint it seemed to be drying almost as quick as I was painting her. Dragging the paint I had just put on with next brush stroke. What a TOTAL DISASTER !!. I gave up on her and back into the shed she went.
2010 arrived I started again rubbed the paint down a bit and bought some Tamiya spray acrylic and started spraying, underside red, it seemed look all right. I used a nice new roll of low tack masking tape, taped up the underside and the decking and sprayed on the black on the sides. I thought that look all right. Took off the masking tape, which also took off the red paint and the dope from the decks. Another DISASTER. Back in the shed she went once again.
A couple of months went by and I was up in Norfolk on my own boat and watching the workers in the boatyard, ideas came to me and when we returned home, out she came and I repainted the sides
and then with red oxide paint I painted her undersides to make it look like antI foul paint. I used some white stripe to cover the join of the two different paint colours.
I had bought some roundels in Anglia Model Shop in Gorleston and some lettering in a shop in Norwich and after painting put these on.
Not looking fantastic but passable I was a little happier with her, but still not satisfied, back in the shed she went again.
Now after so much nagging from my brother out she has come, I've started again. He talked me into changing and trying a brushless motor and a smaller esc he had in his tool box from his helicopter he was shelving as its rota head was damaged beyond repair.
I have now fitted them and if they work I will change the esc to a forward/ reverse esc in the future at some point.
Sea trials are still away off more than likely in the spring, because the decking has yet to be painted. That will be the next job.
I think that's all for now, as I have probably bored you all to tears. I hope update as I progress further.
Just to let you know I'm Tom (alias BOATSHED).
{"text":"HI to all you Fire Boaters,\n I have decided to finally bring my Fireboat out of the closet and up for inspection.\nThis is the first of my many boats I am showing, I will probably show others in the future.\nI started to build her back in 2006 after being off work and having a shoulder operation. She was not going to be a R/C boat, just a bit of something to do whilst on recovery.\n\n I have a 34\" still in the box unmade, purchased back in 1994 from Aerokits.\nI drew round all the parts and then shrunk them on my scanner. She is 27\" long I think that's\njust fraction over 1/20th scale . She is almost all balsa except the 2 under skins that are balsa laminated with 1/64th ply. The hand rails are 1/4\" balsa blocks I cut from a strip and the rail is ally tubing.\n The mast is made from plastic strip from packets from the model shop.\n\nWhen I returned to work she was put into the shed and left unfinished. \n I stumbled across the Fireboat website and registered in 2009 when I was off work once again. This then made me think more about working on her again and I decide to turn her into an R/C model. So out she came and I fitted an Electomax Delta 480bb motor and a M3sonik esc.\nI also purchased a couple of Robbe fire monitors, put them together shortening the nozzles and cutting the bottom of the base of to try to look a bit moreto scale. I know they are not the correct type but if I want to go down the road of getting them working then these ones will. \n\nThen off I went to Wilkinson's and bought some paint. Then set out to paint her, as I brushed on the paint it seemed to be drying almost as quick as I was painting her. Dragging the paint I had just put on with next brush stroke. What a TOTAL DISASTER !!. I gave up on her and back into the shed she went.\n\n 2010 arrived I started again rubbed the paint down a bit and bought some Tamiya spray acrylic and started spraying, underside red, it seemed look all right. I used a nice new roll of low tack masking tape, taped up the underside and the decking and sprayed on the black on the sides. I thought that look all right. Took off the masking tape, which also took off the red paint and the dope from the decks. Another DISASTER. Back in the shed she went once again. \n \nA couple of months went by and I was up in Norfolk on my own boat and watching the workers in the boatyard, ideas came to me and when we returned home, out she came and I repainted the sides \nand then with red oxide paint I painted her undersides to make it look like antI foul paint. I used some white stripe to cover the join of the two different paint colours.\n I had bought some roundels in Anglia Model Shop in Gorleston and some lettering in a shop in Norwich and after painting put these on. \n Not looking fantastic but passable I was a little happier with her, but still not satisfied, back in the shed she went again.\n\nNow after so much nagging from my brother out she has come, I've started again. He talked me into changing and trying a brushless motor and a smaller esc he had in his tool box from his helicopter he was shelving as its rota head was damaged beyond repair.\n I have now fitted them and if they work I will change the esc to a forward/ reverse esc in the future at some point.\n\nSea trials are still away off more than likely in the spring, because the decking has yet to be painted. That will be the next job.\n\n I think that's all for now, as I have probably bored you all to tears. I hope update as I progress further.\n Just to let you know I'm Tom (alias BOATSHED).","subject":"RAF Crash Tender","media":[{"id":"1325862096","name":"1325862096.jpg","caption":"","url":"https://hobby.land/media/1325862096/l","thumbUrl":"https://hobby.land/media/1325862096/s","isImage":true,"ext":"jpg"},{"id":"1325862083","name":"1325862083.jpg","caption":"","url":"https://hobby.land/media/1325862083/l","thumbUrl":"https://hobby.land/media/1325862083/s","isImage":true,"ext":"jpg"},{"id":"1325862040","name":"1325862040.jpg","caption":"","url":"https://hobby.land/media/1325862040/l","thumbUrl":"https://hobby.land/media/1325862040/s","isImage":true,"ext":"jpg"},{"id":"1325862015","name":"1325862015.jpg","caption":"","url":"https://hobby.land/media/1325862015/l","thumbUrl":"https://hobby.land/media/1325862015/s","isImage":true,"ext":"jpg"}],"youtubeUrl":""}
HI to all you Fire Boaters,
I have decided to finally bring my Fireboat out of the closet and up for inspection.
This is the first of my many boats I am showing, I will probably show others in the future.
I started to build her back in 2006 after being off work and having a shoulder operation. She was not going to be a R/C boat, just a bit of something to do whilst on recovery.
I have a 34" still in the box unmade, purchased back in 1994 from Aerokits.
I drew round all the parts and then shrunk them on my scanner. She is 27" long I think that's
just fraction over 1/20th scale . She is almost all balsa except the 2 under skins that are balsa laminated with 1/64th ply. The hand rails are 1/4" balsa blocks I cut from a strip and the rail is ally tubing.
The mast is made from plastic strip from packets from the model shop.
When I returned to work she was put into the shed and left unfinished.
I stumbled across the Fireboat website and registered in 2009 when I was off work once again. This then made me think more about working on her again and I decide to turn her into an R/C model. So out she came and I fitted an Electomax Delta 480bb motor and a M3sonik esc.
I also purchased a couple of Robbe fire monitors, put them together shortening the nozzles and cutting the bottom of the base of to try to look a bit moreto scale. I know they are not the correct type but if I want to go down the road of getting them working then these ones will.
Then off I went to Wilkinson's and bought some paint. Then set out to paint her, as I brushed on the paint it seemed to be drying almost as quick as I was painting her. Dragging the paint I had just put on with next brush stroke. What a TOTAL DISASTER !!. I gave up on her and back into the shed she went.
2010 arrived I started again rubbed the paint down a bit and bought some Tamiya spray acrylic and started spraying, underside red, it seemed look all right. I used a nice new roll of low tack masking tape, taped up the underside and the decking and sprayed on the black on the sides. I thought that look all right. Took off the masking tape, which also took off the red paint and the dope from the decks. Another DISASTER. Back in the shed she went once again.
A couple of months went by and I was up in Norfolk on my own boat and watching the workers in the boatyard, ideas came to me and when we returned home, out she came and I repainted the sides
and then with red oxide paint I painted her undersides to make it look like antI foul paint. I used some white stripe to cover the join of the two different paint colours.
I had bought some roundels in Anglia Model Shop in Gorleston and some lettering in a shop in Norwich and after painting put these on.
Not looking fantastic but passable I was a little happier with her, but still not satisfied, back in the shed she went again.
Now after so much nagging from my brother out she has come, I've started again. He talked me into changing and trying a brushless motor and a smaller esc he had in his tool box from his helicopter he was shelving as its rota head was damaged beyond repair.
I have now fitted them and if they work I will change the esc to a forward/ reverse esc in the future at some point.
Sea trials are still away off more than likely in the spring, because the decking has yet to be painted. That will be the next job.
I think that's all for now, as I have probably bored you all to tears. I hope update as I progress further.
Just to let you know I'm Tom (alias BOATSHED).
I was cruising the blogs, and saw this from 3 years ago, I'm guessing you're retired now%uD83D%uDE06! We're able to finish it? Your perseverance is commendable.
I was cruising the blogs, and saw this from 3 years ago, I'm guessing you're retired now%uD83D%uDE06! We're able to finish it? Your perseverance is commendable.
HI Squirtgun, up to no she still hasn't changed, and is still unfinished.
I did take her out and try her on Clapham Common Long Pond, a bit of a disaster ☺️ , the prop that was on her was a 4 blade 40 mm, was a bit to big and would not steer and tended to react to the torque and pull one way 😭 .
I have since purchased three smaller prop's 20,25 and
30 mm 3 bladed brass props. will have to experiment with these at some point.
Sadly what with work and trying to get some work done on a classic car I have, I haven't had chance to do anymore 😭 .
Haven't retired as yet, that date isn't until August, but as the law has changed, you do not actually retire anymore I'm told from work, you either work on until you decide or you just resign now.
So I will get some more done soon but have just been to busy on the classic car.
Thanks for asking and when done more I will post it.
Kind regards Tom (alias BOATSHED )
HI Squirtgun, up to no she still hasn't changed, and is still unfinished.
I did take her out and try her on Clapham Common Long Pond, a bit of a disaster ☺️ , the prop that was on her was a 4 blade 40 mm, was a bit to big and would not steer and tended to react to the torque and pull one way 😭 .
I have since purchased three smaller prop's 20,25 and
30 mm 3 bladed brass props. will have to experiment with these at some point.
Sadly what with work and trying to get some work done on a classic car I have, I haven't had chance to do anymore 😭 .
Haven't retired as yet, that date isn't until August, but as the law has changed, you do not actually retire anymore I'm told from work, you either work on until you decide or you just resign now.
So I will get some more done soon but have just been to busy on the classic car.
Thanks for asking and when done more I will post it.
Kind regards Tom (alias BOATSHED )
First trials of freshly restored 1970s Aerokits Swordsman rescued as a wreck from ebay (I was the only bidder it looked so bad....!) earlier this year. Was diesel powered and had loads of lead ballest glassed into hull which had to be cut out and replaced with new ply with the rest of the structure lightened and stiffended with new ply. Now fitted with Turnigy 600 Typhoon Brushless and 90A Seawing ESC and 55 min Graupner prop. Handling is excellent and turns really well using a small size Graupner rudder with fast acting large angle Hobbywing servo. Joined my collection of 34 and 46 Fireboats, Sea Hornet, Sea Queen and Commander, all restored over the past 3 years. Aerokits have come into their own with clean and quiet brushless power we could not dream of in the 1960s
{"text":"First trials of freshly restored 1970s Aerokits Swordsman rescued as a wreck from ebay (I was the only bidder it looked so bad....!) earlier this year. Was diesel powered and had loads of lead ballest glassed into hull which had to be cut out and replaced with new ply with the rest of the structure lightened and stiffended with new ply. Now fitted with Turnigy 600 Typhoon Brushless and 90A Seawing ESC and 55 min Graupner prop. Handling is excellent and turns really well using a small size Graupner rudder with fast acting large angle Hobbywing servo. Joined my collection of 34 and 46 Fireboats, Sea Hornet, Sea Queen and Commander, all restored over the past 3 years. Aerokits have come into their own with clean and quiet brushless power we could not dream of in the 1960s","subject":"Aerokits Fairey Swordsman","media":[],"youtubeUrl":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=01_uUJE2CC0"}
First trials of freshly restored 1970s Aerokits Swordsman rescued as a wreck from ebay (I was the only bidder it looked so bad....!) earlier this year. Was diesel powered and had loads of lead ballest glassed into hull which had to be cut out and replaced with new ply with the rest of the structure lightened and stiffended with new ply. Now fitted with Turnigy 600 Typhoon Brushless and 90A Seawing ESC and 55 min Graupner prop. Handling is excellent and turns really well using a small size Graupner rudder with fast acting large angle Hobbywing servo. Joined my collection of 34 and 46 Fireboats, Sea Hornet, Sea Queen and Commander, all restored over the past 3 years. Aerokits have come into their own with clean and quiet brushless power we could not dream of in the 1960s
Went to Crealy yesterday after a couple of weeks absence to find new 'Pipework' docking and obstacles in place. Thanks guys it's a good Improvement.
My Fireboat and Seaplane tender in the picture foreground, more can be seen in my new RIB video in the gallery.
Don't know if we've been joined by a drainage contractor in Exeter MBC recently!
Best Wishes
Chris
{"text":"Went to Crealy yesterday after a couple of weeks absence to find new 'Pipework' docking and obstacles in place. Thanks guys it's a good Improvement.\r\nMy Fireboat and Seaplane tender in the picture foreground, more can be seen in my new RIB video in the gallery.\r\nDon't know if we've been joined by a drainage contractor in Exeter MBC recently!\r\n\r\nBest Wishes\r\nChris","subject":"New Docking facilities at Crealy","media":[{"id":"1314022740","name":"1314022740.jpg","caption":"","url":"https://hobby.land/media/1314022740/l","thumbUrl":"https://hobby.land/media/1314022740/s","isImage":true,"ext":"jpg"}],"youtubeUrl":""}
Went to Crealy yesterday after a couple of weeks absence to find new 'Pipework' docking and obstacles in place. Thanks guys it's a good Improvement.
My Fireboat and Seaplane tender in the picture foreground, more can be seen in my new RIB video in the gallery.
Don't know if we've been joined by a drainage contractor in Exeter MBC recently!
Aerokit Fireboat 34"
Boat was given to me in poor condition approx 30 years ago, no running gear and most fittings missing or broken, originally powered with IC motor.
I have installed a 43A 700KV Outrunner Brushless motor, Model No : XYH42-50 and a Hobbywing Seaking 60W / Reverse Program Brushless ESC bought from Giantcod, powered by a 3 cell 2200 mAh Lipo battery runtime 15 to 18min, the prop is a 42.5mm 2 blade racing prop. I am well pleased with the performance of the boat.
I belong and sail at the Hartsholme Electric Model Boat Club, Lincoln.
{"text":"Aerokit Fireboat 34\"\r\nBoat was given to me in poor condition approx 30 years ago, no running gear and most fittings missing or broken, originally powered with IC motor.\r\nI have installed a 43A 700KV Outrunner Brushless motor, Model No : XYH42-50 and a Hobbywing Seaking 60W / Reverse Program Brushless ESC bought from Giantcod, powered by a 3 cell 2200 mAh Lipo battery runtime 15 to 18min, the prop is a 42.5mm 2 blade racing prop. I am well pleased with the performance of the boat. \r\nI belong and sail at the Hartsholme Electric Model Boat Club, Lincoln.","subject":"Restored Fireboat","media":[{"id":"1313523764","name":"1313523764.jpg","caption":"","url":"https://hobby.land/media/1313523764/l","thumbUrl":"https://hobby.land/media/1313523764/s","isImage":true,"ext":"jpg"},{"id":"1313523765","name":"1313523765.jpg","caption":"","url":"https://hobby.land/media/1313523765/l","thumbUrl":"https://hobby.land/media/1313523765/s","isImage":true,"ext":"jpg"},{"id":"1313523766","name":"1313523766.jpg","caption":"","url":"https://hobby.land/media/1313523766/l","thumbUrl":"https://hobby.land/media/1313523766/s","isImage":true,"ext":"jpg"},{"id":"1313523767","name":"1313523767.jpg","caption":"","url":"https://hobby.land/media/1313523767/l","thumbUrl":"https://hobby.land/media/1313523767/s","isImage":true,"ext":"jpg"}],"youtubeUrl":""}
Aerokit Fireboat 34"
Boat was given to me in poor condition approx 30 years ago, no running gear and most fittings missing or broken, originally powered with IC motor.
I have installed a 43A 700KV Outrunner Brushless motor, Model No : XYH42-50 and a Hobbywing Seaking 60W / Reverse Program Brushless ESC bought from Giantcod, powered by a 3 cell 2200 mAh Lipo battery runtime 15 to 18min, the prop is a 42.5mm 2 blade racing prop. I am well pleased with the performance of the boat.
I belong and sail at the Hartsholme Electric Model Boat Club, Lincoln.
Took my work in progress fireboat out for first run last sunday, just a few bits to do especially getting water pump to work. its a boat that used to belong to Bob Jones, I got it of ebay and stripped her down as last person put flashing tape on inside intsead of finding leaks, but she is going now.
{"text":"Took my work in progress fireboat out for first run last sunday, just a few bits to do especially getting water pump to work. its a boat that used to belong to Bob Jones, I got it of ebay and stripped her down as last person put flashing tape on inside intsead of finding leaks, but she is going now.","subject":"fireboat 94","media":[{"id":"1312179342","name":"1312179342.jpg","caption":"","url":"https://hobby.land/media/1312179342/l","thumbUrl":"https://hobby.land/media/1312179342/s","isImage":true,"ext":"jpg"},{"id":"1312179343","name":"1312179343.jpg","caption":"","url":"https://hobby.land/media/1312179343/l","thumbUrl":"https://hobby.land/media/1312179343/s","isImage":true,"ext":"jpg"},{"id":"1312179344","name":"1312179344.jpg","caption":"","url":"https://hobby.land/media/1312179344/l","thumbUrl":"https://hobby.land/media/1312179344/s","isImage":true,"ext":"jpg"},{"id":"1312179345","name":"1312179345.jpg","caption":"","url":"https://hobby.land/media/1312179345/l","thumbUrl":"https://hobby.land/media/1312179345/s","isImage":true,"ext":"jpg"}],"youtubeUrl":""}
Took my work in progress fireboat out for first run last sunday, just a few bits to do especially getting water pump to work. its a boat that used to belong to Bob Jones, I got it of ebay and stripped her down as last person put flashing tape on inside intsead of finding leaks, but she is going now.
Hello vaderswar,
Can you recollect any reference numbers/name of the paint colour for your Fireboat please. You have done a splendid refurb -a very nice boat.
Thanks.
Hello vaderswar,
Can you recollect any reference numbers/name of the paint colour for your Fireboat please. You have done a splendid refurb -a very nice boat.
Thanks.
believe it or not the paint on deck is floor/tile paint got from local discount store as well as white japlac got for ÂA£1, black and red are humbrol paints.
believe it or not the paint on deck is floor/tile paint got from local discount store as well as white japlac got for ÂA£1, black and red are humbrol paints.
Finally reached the end of my 'back to wood' restoration which started in November last year! She was a rather sorry ebay purchase but did have some of the original fittings - sadly not all, I used as many as possible and found new equivalents to try and match. The mast, davit and cleats were all home made in plasticard, brass and other sundry bits and pieces. it has working lights and spotlight and the davit rotates. First outing today was pretty good, it does plane but at nearly full throttle so the next trip will be with an 8.4v stick to give it a little more edge. Roger :-)
{"text":"Finally reached the end of my 'back to wood' restoration which started in November last year! She was a rather sorry ebay purchase but did have some of the original fittings - sadly not all, I used as many as possible and found new equivalents to try and match. The mast, davit and cleats were all home made in plasticard, brass and other sundry bits and pieces. it has working lights and spotlight and the davit rotates. First outing today was pretty good, it does plane but at nearly full throttle so the next trip will be with an 8.4v stick to give it a little more edge. Roger :-)","subject":"Restored 34\" Aerokits Fireboat","media":[{"id":"1303678504","name":"1303678504.jpg","caption":"","url":"https://hobby.land/media/1303678504/l","thumbUrl":"https://hobby.land/media/1303678504/s","isImage":true,"ext":"jpg"},{"id":"1303678505","name":"1303678505.jpg","caption":"","url":"https://hobby.land/media/1303678505/l","thumbUrl":"https://hobby.land/media/1303678505/s","isImage":true,"ext":"jpg"},{"id":"1303678506","name":"1303678506.jpg","caption":"","url":"https://hobby.land/media/1303678506/l","thumbUrl":"https://hobby.land/media/1303678506/s","isImage":true,"ext":"jpg"},{"id":"1303678507","name":"1303678507.jpg","caption":"","url":"https://hobby.land/media/1303678507/l","thumbUrl":"https://hobby.land/media/1303678507/s","isImage":true,"ext":"jpg"}],"youtubeUrl":""}
Finally reached the end of my 'back to wood' restoration which started in November last year! She was a rather sorry ebay purchase but did have some of the original fittings - sadly not all, I used as many as possible and found new equivalents to try and match. The mast, davit and cleats were all home made in plasticard, brass and other sundry bits and pieces. it has working lights and spotlight and the davit rotates. First outing today was pretty good, it does plane but at nearly full throttle so the next trip will be with an 8.4v stick to give it a little more edge. Roger :-)
HI Peep31, I made the mast from brass, plasticard and some small pices of timber. I have posted some pictures on the site, if I can find them I'll send a link. Roger
HI Peep31, I made the mast from brass, plasticard and some small pices of timber. I have posted some pictures on the site, if I can find them I'll send a link. Roger
Now up and running again, with new 25A M'tronics ESC and smaller 35mm S prop she went well yesterday at Crealy.
I managed to get these pics of the monitors in action
( a bit limited as I was alone and operating the TX and camera together! )
Regards
Chris
{"text":"Now up and running again, with new 25A M'tronics ESC and smaller 35mm S prop she went well yesterday at Crealy.\r\n I managed to get these pics of the monitors in action\r\n ( a bit limited as I was alone and operating the TX and camera together! ) \r\nRegards\r\nChris","subject":"34\" Fireboat Again !","media":[{"id":"1301560429","name":"1301560429.jpg","caption":"","url":"https://hobby.land/media/1301560429/l","thumbUrl":"https://hobby.land/media/1301560429/s","isImage":true,"ext":"jpg"},{"id":"1301560430","name":"1301560430.jpg","caption":"","url":"https://hobby.land/media/1301560430/l","thumbUrl":"https://hobby.land/media/1301560430/s","isImage":true,"ext":"jpg"},{"id":"1301560431","name":"1301560431.jpg","caption":"","url":"https://hobby.land/media/1301560431/l","thumbUrl":"https://hobby.land/media/1301560431/s","isImage":true,"ext":"jpg"}],"youtubeUrl":""}
Now up and running again, with new 25A M'tronics ESC and smaller 35mm S prop she went well yesterday at Crealy.
I managed to get these pics of the monitors in action
( a bit limited as I was alone and operating the TX and camera together! )
Regards
Chris
34" Fireboat
I tried out my new motor arrangement, ( Graupner speed 600 8.4v motor with a single 9.6v battery pack as recommended by dbninja ) in my Fireboat today. A bit choppy but all went very well at just above half throttle then I began to get braver and added on the power to be met by clouds of smoke and a truly blown ESC. ( See FORUM under Hong Kong ESC ) The new Fire Monitors by Peter HS93 also worked fine using a Vauxhall Astra washer pump, I'd hope to get pics but the sudden halt intervened!
Regards Chris
{"text":"34\" Fireboat\r\nI tried out my new motor arrangement, ( Graupner speed 600 8.4v motor with a single 9.6v battery pack as recommended by dbninja ) in my Fireboat today. A bit choppy but all went very well at just above half throttle then I began to get braver and added on the power to be met by clouds of smoke and a truly blown ESC. ( See FORUM under Hong Kong ESC ) The new Fire Monitors by Peter HS93 also worked fine using a Vauxhall Astra washer pump, I'd hope to get pics but the sudden halt intervened!\r\n\r\n Regards Chris","subject":"New motor & battery test at Crealy","media":[],"youtubeUrl":""}
34" Fireboat
I tried out my new motor arrangement, ( Graupner speed 600 8.4v motor with a single 9.6v battery pack as recommended by dbninja ) in my Fireboat today. A bit choppy but all went very well at just above half throttle then I began to get braver and added on the power to be met by clouds of smoke and a truly blown ESC. ( See FORUM under Hong Kong ESC ) The new Fire Monitors by Peter HS93 also worked fine using a Vauxhall Astra washer pump, I'd hope to get pics but the sudden halt intervened!
HI Roger
My monitors were kindly produced some time ago by another member of this site who was unfortunately at the last request unable to make any more. You might like to have a go making suitably scaled down versions in the method shown by Pete Harvey on his 46" Fireboat restoration on his website ( link in the 'Useful Links' part of this site ) my initial effort was to try drilling out some white metal fittings- this only proved the soft cheese is probably a more suitable material!
Water is pumped to the monitors using an ebay sourced Astra windscreen washer pump which works fine on my 9.6v setup.
Good luck
Chris
HI Roger
My monitors were kindly produced some time ago by another member of this site who was unfortunately at the last request unable to make any more. You might like to have a go making suitably scaled down versions in the method shown by Pete Harvey on his 46" Fireboat restoration on his website ( link in the 'Useful Links' part of this site ) my initial effort was to try drilling out some white metal fittings- this only proved the soft cheese is probably a more suitable material!
Water is pumped to the monitors using an ebay sourced Astra windscreen washer pump which works fine on my 9.6v setup.
Good luck
Chris
HI again
Just to mention that Monitors for the 34" boat are available separately from the 'Online Shop'section of this site. ( Don't think they are working however )
Chris
HI again
Just to mention that Monitors for the 34" boat are available separately from the 'Online Shop'section of this site. ( Don't think they are working however )
Chris
on my model boat builds
Yes it would be a very good idea for a build blogg on my next project . 😉 A Prestney